Jaw Joint Diseases Treatment
Treatment for diseases affecting the jaw joint at Luxin Aesthetics.
The temporomandibular joint, integral to the chewing system, consists of the lower jaw bone and the temple bone. A disc (cartilage) pad between these bones prevents friction and facilitates smooth joint movements. Surrounding the joint is a capsule along with ligaments that maintain its stability. This joint plays essential roles in speech and chewing functions.
What exactly are jaw joint ailments?
Luxin Aesthetics specializes in addressing various conditions related to the jaw, such as congenital jaw disorders involving underdevelopment and joint restructuring, locking of the chin, jaw dislocations, tumoral diseases, fractures from trauma, as well as rheumatic, inflammatory, neurological, and psychiatric conditions affecting the jaw. Additionally, Luxin Aesthetics offers solutions for jaw dysfunction, including painful chewing, restricted or sliding opening of the jaw, and difficulties with biting and gripping.
What factors contribute to the disruption of the healthy functioning of the jaw?
Chewing, clenching, and grinding teeth predominantly on one side persistently
Facial and chin traumas (from accidents, impacts, fractures, or ligament tears), sports-related injuries
Tumors affecting the jaw joint and its vicinity, as well as systemic illnesses (like inflammatory rheumatism)
Prolonged dental procedures that strain mouth opening, excessive jaw tension during anesthesia
Habits such as biting hard objects like pens, chewing gum, sucking fingers, or biting nails
Overly slouched posture leading to forward bending of shoulders and neck
Holding a phone between shoulder and chin habitually
Certain psychological disturbances
Inborn joint abnormalities (e.g., incomplete joint development)
Dental fillings and crowns altering tooth relationships
Playing violin (pressure on chin due to posture while holding)
What are the indicators of jaw joint conditions?
Ear discomfort, cheek pain, ringing in the ears, vertigo
Sensation of the jaw not fully opening or closing normally.
Temple-focused headaches with neck discomfort
Challenge in jaw movement, audible clicks or locking
Swelling in facial area
Jaw misalignment
Jaw sliding to one side during opening
Difficulties with biting and chewing
Misalignment between upper and lower teeth during closure
Tooth sensitivity, erosion, looseness, and fractures may occur.
How do we identify conditions affecting the jaw joint?
As practitioners at Luxin Aesthetics, we typically diagnose most of our patients through thorough examinations. If needed, we may conduct standard radiographs, computed tomography scans, MRIs (EMAR), joint-endoscopy studies, scintigraphy, or PET scans.
At Luxin Aesthetics, what treatments do we provide for jaw joint diseases?
Our goal at Luxin Aesthetics is to alleviate our patients’ pain and restore their normal jaw functions. Initially, we tailor our treatments based on the underlying cause of the condition. Central to our success is patient education. We offer a range of treatments, including modifying chewing habits (bilateral chewing), prescribing night guards (splints) for those with teeth clenching or grinding issues, administering medication, addressing dental issues, and employing physical therapy techniques and exercises for the jaw and surrounding muscles. In cases of severe pain, intra-articular washing (arthrocentesis) can provide relief. Surgical intervention is considered for conditions such as trauma, tumors, or jaw fusion (ankylosis) with the temporal bone. Our approach involves collaboration among otolaryngologists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and dental specialists (maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists) as needed. Patients are encouraged to adhere to their prescribed medical regimen (medication, splints, exercises), avoid hard foods for the recommended duration, consume soft and easy-to-chew foods as advised by our doctors, and maintain optimal oral and dental hygiene.